PHYLAC'TERY, noun [Gr. to defend or guard.]

1. In a general sense, any charm, spell or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease.

2. Among the Jews, a slip of parchment on which was written some text of Scripture, particularly of the decalogue, worn by devout persons on the forehead, breast or neck as a mark of their religion.

3. Among the primitive christians, a case in which they inclosed the relics of the dead.